Local services are under threat from government cuts
Councils provide a huge range of local services - social care, street cleaning, libraries, housing, trading standards, animal welfare, cemeteries, parks – the list runs to more than 800 functions. Many unseen, but no less essential for it. We’re proud to deliver them.
But since 2010, the Westminster government has cut funding to Lambeth by 30% in real terms. Last year, the council’s funding was cut yet again, giving us a £93m black hole over the next four years. Unless the Government restores funding, this will mean yet more cuts.
Funding down, community needs up – the sums don't add up
Austerity doesn’t save money – failing to invest has caused costs to rocket.
Take housing, we now spend £100m a year on temporary accommodation for families made homeless by the housing crisis and the failing social safety net.
There are many similar examples - adult social care, special educational needs - everywhere you look, the number of people who need support, and the costs of providing it have risen.
This is what over a decade of austerity looks like. Services stretched to breaking point, vulnerable people crying out for help and pushed into crisis, with front-line services struggling to meet basic needs.
It doesn't have to be this way. In Lambeth, we're calling for change.
We're standing with the community to say with one voice: these are services worth fighting for. It’s time to invest in our communities.
We can’t do this without you. It’s only by organising together that we can reverse austerity.
Take the budget survey now
Tell us how austerity has impacted your community, and share your ideas on how we can do things differently.
Complete the survey
Services worth fighting for Town Hall meeting
Come and join our Town Hall event on 15 October 2026, share your ideas, ask questions and learn more about our financial challenge.